Dr. Ruth Reynard

Thomas, Good point, Thomas. This is central to good instructional design as well - integrating technology use with coursework and application. That way, the skills will be learned within a relevant context and, therefore, understood more readily. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shafi, Again, Shafi, expand on why you say this - which specific skills are important here? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shafi, Do you have any experiences of this technology, Shafi? I agree with your statement, however, I think it would be interesting to hear more about why you think this way about it. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shafi, Hmmm...interesting use of the word "productivity" - could you elaborate your meaning? Are you meaning the work produced by students or the material produced by instructors...or both? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Alan, Yes, blended learning can increase the process of developing autonomous learners if, as you say, the instructors are able to change their role and understand the newer paradigms of learning. Good points! Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shaunda , Critcal exploration and discovery - the essence of engaging learning. Great points! Dr. Ruth Reynard

Alan, This is great! Now, you can, as an instructor, integrate the learning context into every aspect of the student experience! Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shaunda , I'm 51 and I can relate to your points :)The challenge remains, however, for instructors to provide guidance on how to use the information effectively in learning and in workplace scenarios. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Shaunda , Yes, the various inputs make the learning process more inclusive for more students. Also, the technology provides various outputs as well and instructors must take advantage of that reality to implement holistic assessment opportunities, utilizing this capability for diversity. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Stanley, The challenge is very real for students as well as instructors, in my opnion. Often students have had models of learning that have not been supported or mediated by technology. Also, even if they have, they may still not have been developed as autonomous learners and, therefore, would still be challenged with the use of new technology. As you say, the challenge for the instructor is very much about instructional design and the ways in which the learning process can be mediated rather than driven. Dr. Ruth Reynard